SPORTING DIRECTOR AND HEAD COACH GREGG BERHALTER
On performance of a Wednesday short-rest game
I wouldn’t say ‘Wednesday’. I mean we had six new guys in the lineup. What I would say is, it was a new lineup. The age of our group was [23.8] years, probably one of the lowest in a long time in the League. Very young team we played. With that, you’re going to have guys feeling each other out; taking a little bit to get into the game. I think that’s what we saw tonight. I think once we got in the game, we increased the speed, particularly the end of the first half and beginning of the second half and gave them a lot of problems. I’m proud of the guys. I think they reacted in a really good way. We talked about it being a squad week and so far, we’re on the right track for this week.
On Luis Argudo’s performance
Luis [Argudo] is a guy that’s been performing well since his time here. In training, he’s performed well when he’s gotten the opportunity. Planning out the week, we knew we were going to have to rest Federico [Higuain], and now is the perfect time to give Luis [Argudo] an opportunity. I think he performed well. I think he was really close to having breakthrough moments and we’re going to keep working with him. I’m pretty confident that as we keep working with him, he’ll get closer to finishing those opportunities.
On Argudo’s versatility
He reminds me a lot of Hector [Jimenez] in terms of his versatility, his understanding of the game, his technical ability… he has a lot of similar traits to Hector [Jimenez]. As a coach, it’s very good to have players like that. You feel very comfortable switching them into different positions, and it helps the team. Having a guy that can move around the field in the end helps the team.
On Cristian Martinez’s confidence
I liked how Cristian [Martinez] approached this game, I really did. In training yesterday, he was very focused. In warmups, he looked really focused. When you see his physicality for a little guy, it’s amazing. When he gets in duals, he’s not afraid of anyone. We see that in training all the time going up against our big guys. I like the attitude. For Cristian [Martinez] to remain a guy to get called on, that attitude is very important - the relentlessness.
On defense in tonight’s match
I think we played pretty well defensively, save for that one chance they had towards the end which wasn’t good. I think overall, we didn’t get troubled that much; they did an excellent job. I think whether its Johnny (Johnathan Mensah) or Josh [Williams] or Alex [Crognale] or Lalas [Abubakar], I think all of those guys have a similar mindset, and it’s to be aggressive, and make it be difficult to play against.
On controlling the game and grinding out results
I mean it was 16 shots, four on-target, seven off-target. I think we created some chances. I think again, when you enter these weeks, squad weeks, you don’t get too picky. You want to represent your style. We had 506 passes, we dominated possession, 86% passing accuracy. In the second half when we’re leading the game, were still at 87% passing accuracy. So, a lot of that was there. Was it perfect? No, but it was enough in this type of circumstance to be proud of as a group.
On Federico Higuain’s impact
Well I think it probably worried the opponent a little bit, having him come off the bench. Him and Mike [Grella] I think did a good job. It gave us a boost. He’s a guy that can make plays, make the final pass and it’s a luxury to be able to bring him into the game in a week like this.
On Gyasi Zardes’ goal and overall performance
It was good. You can see him purposefully shifting onside. He did a good job. I know [the officials and VAR] were checking it for offside, and it’s good to know he was onside. I think Gyasi [Zardes] was strong today. I really do. Holding the ball up, being active. There wasn’t that many chances they had, but he worked really hard for the group tonight.
On Mike Grella’s role for Crew SC
That’s why we brought him here: to have an option. I like what he can bring. I like his skill set. I think it fits in very nicely what we do. So, we’re excited to see him keep developing.
On windy playing conditions
It wasn’t extreme windy. It was windy though. I think you can see the ball was holding up for them in the first half; they were playing against the wind. The ball was traveling a little further obviously for us. I think under extreme wind conditions, you do change the way you play. I wouldn’t categorize this as extreme wind.
On Harrison Afful’s leadership
I liked that. We rely on Harrison [Afful]. Some of the older guys- he was the oldest one in the lineup tonight- we relied on him heavily to set the tone for the group. Being such a young group, they needed some guidance, and I was glad to see him do that. I think he played a good game, but more importantly I think was a good role model for performance tonight.
On Milton Valenzuela
I mean to me it’s pretty spectacular when he defends ‘one v one’. If I’m a winger playing against him, I’m in trouble. He doesn’t give up, he has very good timing, very low center of gravity, very good footwork and it’s very difficult to get by him. Playing in Argentina, growing up in that soccer climate, as a fullback you need to be able to play one versus one really well, and he’s certainly a very good ‘one v one’ defender.
On preparing for a match on Saturday
Recovery. Recovery. Looking at the lineup, looking at who’s available for the next game. I think it’s about finishing off the week. We’ve had a good start to the week, but now it’s about finishing it off. We’re going to be extremely focused these next couple days getting the group ready to perform again.
On strong response to four-game winless stretch
I think the mindset of the group is to just take one game at a time and focus all your energy on performing in training on that day, and then leading up to the weekend that you have a game. That’s our focus, and I know it’s difficult sometimes when losses pile on each other, but you have to be able to separate those and look at what’s in front of you.
GOALKEEPER ZACK STEFFEN
On his quick reactions to make saves
I don’t know man, I mean, soccer, especially goalkeeping is a weird position. There are situations that happen a lot and then they won’t happen for half a season and then it’ll happen again, randomly. You’ve just got to be ready at all times and be training at all different aspects of goalkeeping.
On registering consecutive shutouts
It feels good and it goes to show how hard the guys work in front of me. I only had to step up a couple times and fortunately, I did my job tonight. I’m really proud of the effort that the guys gave being our second game in four days.
On the effectiveness and confidence of Crew SC’s backline
That is what we came into the season wanting to do. To grow off of last years playoff run and our maturity from last year. We wanted to take it from there and not step back, but I mean that is soccer. Stepbacks are a part of it. I am really proud of how the guys have battled, the way we move across the field and our defensive shape has been excellent this year.
Midfielder Luis Argudo
On finding his rhythm in the match
I felt like it took 10-15 minutes. I was a bit nervous; my first touch wasn’t the greatest in the beginning. But I got a little more comfortable and the guys calmed me down, told me I could do it. So I just worked hard.
On his many roles for Crew SC
Honestly, I’m just here to help the team. If the coaches want me to play wide I will; if they want to play me in the middle, then I’ll play there. I’m smart enough to know what to do with the ball in those different types of areas so that is why the coaches put me at those positions.
On filling in for Federico Higuain
In practice [I] definitely watch what he is doing, the timing and what he does going into spaces. I try to time my runs and go into spaces as well as he does. But then again, I try and play my game like I am a professional as well. I am confident in what I can do.
​FORWARD GYASI ZARDES
On positioning himself for his goal
You know I tried to go in for the early cross and I was offside. And I just told myself just get back onside the ball can spill, which it did. And I was just right there to tap it in. With this VAR technology I have been unlucky three times so although I knew I was onside I was like c’mon I was just hoping they just let the goal go.
On scoring in tonight’s match
I think it is definitely a reward for not just me but for the whole team. We were working extremely hard this week in training. And we have pride into the game, and we came out victorious. Sometimes you score goals like that and sometimes you score bangers, a goal is a goal and it’s good to get a win under our belt.
On Crew SC’s coaching staff
The coaches played a very important role this week, implementing our younger guys. I thought Luis did a phenomenal job out there. Playing the role of Pipa he felt confident, and like it said it is how the coaches prepare us for games.
